A Roundup Of Edible Flowers

Not just for decoration, flowers are also for eating. And probably more flowers have shown up in your food than you realized. Edible flowers are available in specialty food stores, at farmer's markets, and right in your own garden. Be sure to pick flowers that you know for certain have not been sprayed with pesticides, and only flowers you can positively identify, as some are poisonous. Keep reading to see a helpful chart of some common edible flowers and their uses.

Edible flowers should be consumed quickly, but can be stored in plastic containers in the refrigerator or with their stems immersed in water for a few days. Some people may develop upset stomachs or allergies to edible flowers, particularly people with pollen allergies. New flowers should be introduced to your diet in small amounts to see how your body reacts to them. Remove the stems, pistils, and anthers as they may have a bitter taste. The petals are fine to eat.